the pace of fiscal cliff negotiations. the index shrugged it off, ending higher by four tenths of a percent. volume was 677 million shares on the big board; under 1.8 billion moved on the nasdaq. all ten of the major stock sectors rose. the telecommunications sector had the strongest gain, up nine tenths of a percent. the health care, materials and utilities sectors were each higher by six tenths of a percent. health insurance giant united healthcare led its sector and the dow industrial stock average. trading volume almost doubled with the stock up 3%. on monday, the company's profit prediction for next year was less than anticipated. but with today's rally, shares have recovered from that sell- off and then some. retail continues to be in focus. the calendar month may not be over, but for several stores, the sales month for november is in the books. 17 chains reported sales at stores open for at least year. overall, sales were up 1.6%, according to thomson-reuters. that's only half the growth expected. the impact of hurr